Complications of Charity

Should we that have no lack give of our store
Of food to those who live in daily need
When they cannot deny the pressing greed
Of cravings and addictions crying, "More
For me, and you'll forget that you are poor,
And how your heart has never ceased to bleed
From beatings and abuse for ev'ry deed
Opposed, or else that made a conscience sore
By doing right"? This then ought we to say
To those who claim providing clothes will aid
Their errant ways: " 'O Lord, when saw we thee
In hunger or in thirst along the way,
Or naked, or in prison,' and He said,
'The least of these ye served as unto Me.' "




{Miltonic Sonnet}
(Written April 28th, 2014)
{Loosely quoted from Matthew 25}
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Reese Avatar
July 29, 2014 at 11:57 PM
It's so nice to actually read a sonnet this well done. I look forward to reading more of your work. I'd replace the "and" in line 6 though. You're work needs no filler words.
Devonshire Avatar
May 14, 2014 at 6:12 AM
Wow, Isaiah, this is so profound. Greed has consumed our society and many people are too complacent, allowing others to go hungry and live in poverty. That last line from the Bible sums up the message so well. Excellent writing! Congratulations, Carolyn
Johnson Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 11:24 PM
A great sonnet and a great win. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
Gorelick Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 8:17 PM
So well done, what a fine win and you should be so proud. BG
Guzzi Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 7:37 PM
It's very sad, the only way to have choice is to have a range of responses. Taking care of self & family should come first if all could do this [with most single woman still only earning 25,000 a year at 75 cents to the dollar a man earns? It's not likely is it?]Congrad's on your win Light & Love
Jerden Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 3:05 PM
Isaiah, this poem is the best example of proper enjambment in a Miltonic Sonnet that I have seen in this contest. Well thought out theme and execution. Congratulations!
Gibson Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 2:57 PM
Isaiah, so well said and scripture beautifully integrated into this sonnet.
Richards Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 1:55 PM
I love what you did with this passage. Beautiful message here ! Congrats to you!
A   Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 1:09 PM
isaiah, Congratulations:) in Craig's, "Miltonic Sonnet" contest... xox~ LINDA
Kendrick Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 1:05 PM
Way to go ....# 2..Sara
George   Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 11:58 AM
Much to ponder in this sonnet, Isaiah. Congratulations on your win. Elaine
Lee Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 9:11 AM
Congratulations, Isaiah! Awesome write!
A. Sharma Avatar
May 13, 2014 at 8:29 AM
Wonderful write Isaiah ! I wud rather say side effects of charity ,,, just as taking medicine is a must no matter its complications,,charity one does out of an intense quick emotion ! Congrats on great win !
Dietrich Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 1:48 AM
wow, it sure has that miltonic flavor to it, Isaiah. Yes, it is quite a quandary to see drug users asking for charity. I've heard stories of them getting upset when people tried to give them food because they only wanted money to buy drugs instead of food . Complications is a most fitting word in that title of your sonnet.
Vaso Avatar
May 5, 2014 at 10:08 PM
I enjoyed this read! Thanks
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